The Best Wintry, Windlashed Walks around Falmouth

PENDENNIS HEADLAND

Take a short brisk walk around the historic Pendennis Headland and soak in the fantastic views across Falmouth Harbour and along the Cornish coast.

From Custom House Quay head east towards the Maritime Museum along the road, cross the first mini roundabout and follow Bar Road past the entrance to the docks, under the railway bridge. After crossing the roundabout you will start to climb Castle Drive and can enjoy the fantastic views across the harbour and into the active dockyard below.

A short distance after the docks you will find the entrance for Pendennis Castle. Explore this prominent castle and enjoy its breathtaking views. Continuing along Castle Drive you will come to Pendennis Point where you can explore the headland and enjoy a warming hot drink.

From Pendennis Point you continue along Castle Drive until you reach a fork. Bear right and pick up Castle Hill which will take you back to the roundabout next to Falmouth Docks.

From the roundabout follow your original track back into town.

If you're feeling more adventurous, you can extend this walk by continuing down the sea front to Gyllyngvase Beach and take in the breathtaking sea views.

FALMOUTH BEACHES

The walk starts at Maenporth beach, a welcome sheltered cove just to the south of Falmouth. Warm yourself with a hot drink at the beach café before you go or perhaps enjoy lunch at The Cove to set yourself in good stead. 

When you’re ready to begin, head to the beach café and pick up the coast path behind it. Quite quickly the path rises until you’re on the cliffs with stunning views back along the coast – on a clear day you can see The Lizard.

Below you on the rocks, look out for the remains of the Ben Asdale, sadly wrecked on a wild winter’s night in 1978.

When you reach Swanpool, you can take a detour round the nature reserve, an SSSI that is home to swans and ducks. It is also the only place in the UK where you can find Trembling Sea Mat, a microscopic animal that thrives in brackish waters. 

Leaving Swanpool, pick up the coast path again and head towards Gyllyngvase. Ahead of you, Falmouth town, Pendennis Castle and St Anthony’s Head and the lighthouse will start to come into view, and soon you’ll reach the Blue Flag Gyllyngvase Beach, right on the doorstep of St Michaels Hotel & Spa. Then return to Maenporth.

TREFUSIS HEADLAND

A walk with great views across the Carrick Roads from Flushing, through the village, to Mylor Yacht Harbour around Trefusis Headland.

When you arrive in Flushing enjoy the historic fishing village, its two pubs and the Quayside Restaurant before heading towards Mylor by following the coast.

After you round Trefusis Point look out for the cave and steps cut into the stone foreshore.

Both were used to transfer contraband goods ashore with the cave marking the entrance to an old tunnel that led up to the cellars of the estate house on the hill where the goods were stored.

Once in Mylor Harbour you can enjoy a drink in Castaways or in the cafe. St Mylor Church is a two minute walk away from the harbour and boasts one of the oldest Celtic crosses in the country.

You can catch the Falmouth Water Taxi back to Flushing or return the way you came.

PENMERE CIRCULAR

A lovely walk around Falmouth starting at Penmere Station and taking in Swanpool lake and beach, Gyllyngvase Beach and Pendennis Headland.

Head downhill from the station under the railway bridge before picking up a narrow path that will take you all the way down to Swanpool, around the lake and down to the beach.

Take the coast path towards Gyllyngvase beach with Pendennis Castle in front of you. If you’re feeling adventurous carry on around Pendennis Point for great views of the Carrick Roads.

Follow the road down to Discovery Quay, passing Falmouth’s docks and Pendennis Shipyard.

If you’re returning by train you can catch one at Falmouth Town Station or make your way back to Penmere Station through the town.